I want to discuss stress and stress management; a topic that I feel does not get enough attention. I'm taking a great course in Stress Management, and I thought I would share some crucial information that will help you manage the stressors in your life. This is so important for your total health and wellbeing!
Stress is at epidemic levels in the world today. Ninety percent of all visits to health-care providers in the U.S. are considered to be stress related. Stress affects every aspect of the body, mind, and spirit. That results in a wide range of symptoms from headaches or stomach ailments to heart disease or death. Ten Stress Related Health Problems: http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/10-fixable-stress-related-health-problems?
Stress varies from individual to individual. What one person finds stressful may not bother another person at all. There are many types of stress that can result in many different physiological effects on the body. Even very young children have worries and experience stress to some degree. To read more about Childhood Stress go here: http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/stress.html
We can all find something that we enjoy doing that helps to de-stress us. My de-stressor is going to the lake, smelling the fresh air, enjoying nature, and riding the boat (or jet ski's) on the wide open water. It's so freeing All my worries just seem to disappear. But, always, my #1 De-Stressor and mental therapy is spending a productive hour in the GYM! Nothing beats it. There are a few things you can do to de-stress your life. Here are some suggestions:
1. Get Moving
Just about any form of physical activity can relieve stress and burn away anger, tension, and frustration. Exercise releases endorphins which boost your mood and make you feel good. It also serves as a valuable distraction to your daily worries. Be sure to pick an activity you enjoy, so you will stick with it.
2. Engage Socially
There is nothing more calming to your nervous system than communicating with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood. Reach out to family and friends and connect regularly in person.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Stress
When handling predictable stressors, such as commuting to work or a meeting with your boss, you can either change the situation or change your reaction to it. Learn how to say no, avoid people who stress you out, and take control of your environment.
4. Alter the Situation
Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. Be willing to compromise. Manage your time better.
5. Adapt to the Stressor
Regain your sense of control by changing your expectations and attitude to stressful situations. Reframe problems. That is, view a stressful situation from a more positive perspective. Look at the big picture. How important is this in the long run? Adjust your standards. Stop setting yourself up for failure by demanding perfection.
6. Accept the Things You Can't Change
Many sources of stress are unavoidable like the death of a loved one. Accept things as they are. Don't try to control the uncontrollable. Look for the upside. Most importantly, learn to forgive.
7. Make Time for Fun & Relaxation
Nurture yourself. When you make time for fun and relaxation, you're in a better place for managing life's stressors.
Look here for stress relief foods:http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/photos/top-10-foods-for-stress-relief.html
and the "Road to Resilience." http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx
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